Accidental ingestion of Ecstasy in a toddler.

Yi Jung Chang*, Ming Wei Lai, Man-Shang Kong, Hsun Chin Chao

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal Article peer-review

9 Scopus citations

Abstract

Toddlers who ingest the drug of abuse 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA; 'Ecstasy') are at particularly high risk of serious neurological and cardiovascular side effects. We report of a 20-month-old male toddler who accidentally ingested Ecstasy. He presented with fever and seizures, tachycardia, hypertension, and hyperthermia. Urine amphetamine level was 2111 ng/mL. Treatment included rapid cooling, hydration, and support measures. Vital signs were regularly monitored. His condition became stable on day 2 and urine amphetamine level returned to normal on day 3 of hospitalization. His behavior, activity, and appetite had returned to their usual levels upon follow-up at our outpatient clinic. The incidence of drug abuse with MDMA has increased dramatically over the last decade in developed countries. It can be expected that accidental Ecstasy poisoning in children will increase as well. This case illustrates the need to consider the possibility of accidental Ecstasy ingestion in the differential diagnosis of a child suffering from convulsions with fever.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)946-947
Number of pages2
JournalJournal of the Formosan Medical Association
Volume104
Issue number12
StatePublished - 12 2005

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Accidental ingestion of Ecstasy in a toddler.'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this